Billy J. Bell Sr.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Billy J. Bell, Sr. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Billy went by Bill for most of his life. He was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Bill was born at home in Arkoma, Oklahoma. He was the son of Jefferson Davis and Lela Rene (Gordon) Bell. Bill was raised in Arkoma, Oklahoma, California, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Bill was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Bill's personality throughout his life.

Though Bill was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Bill was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Bill worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Bill was raised with two brothers and two sisters. J. D. (Jr.), Ed, Nadine, and Sue. Bill and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Billy was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Bill was always tactful. One thing Bill will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Bill had a number of interests and was an active child. Bill took part in baseball. In his spare time he liked to go fishing. One of Bill's memorable moments included when he walked barefooted in the snow to school. Really!

For Bill, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion and he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Bill was also adept at details. Bill was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He went to Central High School and received his GED. His favorite class in high school was math.

College can be a challenge, but Bill appeared to be well equipped to succeed. He had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around him. Bill had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Bill enjoyed using the skills he'd already learned and applying them to new courses. He knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. He earned a certificate from Draun's Business School. Bill also received an air conditioning certificate.

There was one thing that all of Bill's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Bill was such a popular person throughout his life. But Bill was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Bill was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Bill was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Bill was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Bill was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Bill made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, one of his best friends was Tommy Brown. Later in life, he became friends with Kenneth and Leora Reed, Ron and Marie Fister, Bill and Mary Roy, and Don and Ardith Willoughby.

Bill was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. Bill cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On Wednesday, November 3, 1948 Bill married Maryann Elizabeth Bush in the home at 3500 W. Reno of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They were married for 58 years. Compassionate and devoted, Bill worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Bill and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Bill was blessed with three children, Billy Joe, Terri Lee, and Betty Ann. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren: Amy, Lisa, Jason, Kathryn, Arron, Shaundrah, Michael, Tim, Patrick, and Kelley. They were also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren: Zack Jr., Allyson, Zane, Bradley, Tyson, Kylie, Mason, Michael, Jacob, Amber, Reece, and Riley. Bill was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Bill was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Bill would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Bill, and he expected the same from those around him. Bill was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Bill was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Bill handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was construction estimator. He was employed out of the home (self-employeed). He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Bill was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Bill was an Army veteran. He served from March 1946 to September 1947 as an automotive repairman. Bill served during World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of corporal. He received the World War II Victory medal.

A methodical man, Bill enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were fishing, traveling, playing cards, dominoes, and Waahoo.

Bill was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Bill was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included coaching little league teams, as well as being a manager. Bill also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball, football (especially the Dallas Cowboys), and enjoyed all OU and OSU sports.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Bill to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Bill did his fair share of volunteer work. He wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Bill was an active member of the Light for the Lost (AG organization).

Bill was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. Politically, Bill was a supporter of the Republican Party.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Bill well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of the following churches during his lifetime: Emanuel Tabernacle, Four Square Gospel Church, Lakeside Assembly of God, Cornerstone Assembly of God, and Faith Assembly of God. During that time, he was head usher, greeter, liked visitation, served on the board, and was a Sunday School teacher. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

A generous and compassionate man, Bill accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Bill was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included awards received as a member of Light for the Lost.

Not only did Bill enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacation places included Lake Texoma, Lake Murray, and South Texas (South Padre).

Bill was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Two of his favorites were Shaggy (long-haired chihuahua) and Snowball. He liked all dogs and even owned an Aufienpincher.

Since it was easy for Bill to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Bill was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2000. In retirement, he found new pleasure in working on lawn mowers, boat motors, and took a small engine repair class. Even in retirement, Bill stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Bill passed away on August 5, 2007 at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Bill fought a brave battle against lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, Maryann, his three children, ten grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren Services were held at the Chapel Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Bill was laid to rest in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in the Garden of Love.

Bill was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Bill was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Billy J. Bell, Sr.

Billy's Obituary:

Billy J. Bell, Sr., 79, went to be with the Lord August 5, 2007 surrounded by his family. He was born February 13, 1928 in Arkoma, Oklahoma to Jefferson and Lela (Gordon) Bell. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Maryann; children, Bill Bell, Jr. and his wife, Pat of Bacliff, Texas, TerriLee Bell of Hagerstown, Maryland and Betty Ann Yates and her husband, Shawn of Oklahoma City; 10 grandchildren: Amy Taylor and husband, Zack, Lisa Bell, Jason Bell, Shaundrah Heck and husband, Doyle, Arron Bell, Kathryn Yates, Mike Day and wife, Devra, Tim Day and wife, Kelly, Patrick Day, Kelly Pohlemann and wife, Jill; and 12 great grandchildren, Allyson Bell, Zack Taylor II, Zane Taylor, Bradley Burk, Tyson Matney, Kylie and Mason Bell, Reece and Riley Heck, Jacob, Michael and Amber Day. Bill learned to be a construction estimator starting with his father-in-law. He did this throughout his life until the present. He loved to fish with his family and friends and even talked about going fishing in heaven. He was deeply loved by all of his family and numerous friends. He will be greatly missed.

Kathryn's Sermon:

Sacrificing Negative Emotions and Worldly Desires

In today’s society everything is screaming at us to live by the world’s rules, do what makes you feel good, and worry only about yourself, which causes Christians to stumble. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We go to church and hear about being a living sacrifice for God yet we don’t strive to get there. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Inside our spirit wants to be Godly in all we do but on the outside our actions don’t line up. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

What if there came a time that the flesh didn’t stop our spirit’s willingness. How do we as Christians get our focus off of worldly desires and instead of listening to our flesh we listen to our spirit in every part of our lives.

Today I’m going to share with you a way of sacrificing worldly desires so you won’t let your flesh make you miss out on what God has in store for you.

A way to get the focus off of worldly desires is to let your emotions be God driven. I truly believe that our emotions can cause us to miss out on what God has planned for us. It’s easy to allow negative emotions to cause us to listen to our flesh instead of our spirit. When things don’t go the way we want them to and we get caught up in that feeling of frustration or that God isn’t listening to us this gives a foot hold for Satan to put negative thoughts in our minds. Instead of sacrificing those thoughts, we choose to give in to worldly ways of thinking and therefore miss out on God’s perfect plan.

About six months ago I was in a very scary place in my life. I was experiencing feelings of loneliness, frustration due to change and confidence issues. My spirit was willing to call out to God but my flesh was weak. As these emotions stayed in my mind, instead of running to God I ran to the world and this allowed my flesh to overrule my spirit. When I look back at this low point of my spiritual life I realize that my emotions were not dealt with in a God driven way. Instead it was dealt with in a worldly way which caused me to experience even more hard times and pain because of my worldly choices and desires. Through this time in my life God showed me how to sacrifice my emotions and let them be God Driven. I’m going to share with you two steps to getting God Driven emotions that God showed me.

The first step I learned in having God Driven emotions is understanding suffering. I Peter 4:12-13 says, “Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Understanding that you will experience sufferings makes those negative emotions point to God driven emotions in time of need. Sacrifice your mind to God realizing that

the trials will pass. Many times when our hearts are hurt we can turn to our worldly desires for the answers knowing deep inside that God is truly the only one that can sustain us in times of need. The next verse that I am going to share with you shows how we should stay away from sinful desires in time of hurt.

I Peter 2:10-11, “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends; I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.”

The second step I learned in sacrificing my negative emotions and letting my emotions be God Driven is that I needed to have a broken spirit. The best way that God can work on our spirit is if we allow God to break us. When we are broken before God it allows God to pour his holy spirit on us and cleanse us from our worldly thoughts and desires. It is ok to be broken before God it shows God that we need him and we can’t live life alone.

Psalm 51:16-17, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” When you have a broken spirit during times of trials and testing God will give you such a peace and you will experience a God Driven emotion. When we have a broken spirit God can use us as sacrifices for him.

So many of us struggle day to day with having a willing spirit but a weak flesh. God shows us how we can have victory in this area of our lives. With understanding suffering and having a broken spirit before God we can begin to develop God Driven emotions. With God Driven emotions worldly desires will begin to fade away and open into a life of true sacrifice for God.

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A Father’s Legacy

Bill’s Life Story in His Own Words

Some of Bill’s favorite things:

• Sport – Fishing

• Book – Bible

• Leisure Activity – Fishing

• Dessert – Coconut Pie

• Author – John Clancy

• Bible Verse – John 3:16

• Hymn or Song – Amazing Grace

• Vacation Spot – The Lake

• Type of Food – Mexican

• Sports Team – OSU

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Who gave you your nickname and why? Did you have a nickname? How did you get your nickname?

“My parents named me, it was probably after someone, but I don’t know who. My nickname was ‘Whick’ because when I was little I could not say ‘Whisker’; I said ‘Whicker’ and my dad shortened it to ‘Whick’.”

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Describe your childhood home. What was your favorite room?

“We had many homes. I guess my favorite home was in Arkoma when I was about 12 years old. My favorite room was the kitchen, where I could get food sometimes.”

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Were you baptized or dedicated as an infant?

“No.”

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Did you attend church as a young boy? What are your earliest memories of church?

“Yes, I remember my grandma taking me to a primitive Baptist Church and falling asleep under the pew.”

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Where did your father go to work every day and what did he do? Did his work interest you?

“He went every day to the Barber Shop. He was a barber. I had no interest in his work.”

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Did your mother have a job or did she work at home?

“My mother worked as a domestic for the well-to-do people for a dollar a day. She walked to and from work.”

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What was your favorite sport or outdoor activity? Why was this your favorite?

“Baseball. I enjoyed the game and understood it. I was pretty good at it too.”

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Describe your grandparents. What did you enjoy about them?

“I never knew but one, my mother’s mother. I never enjoyed anything about her. She was a bitter, grouchy old woman, and I was glad to see her go.”

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Recall five of the most important life lessons you have learned in life.

1. “You have to take good care of your immortal soul”

2. “Be very careful who you trust”

3. “Crime will get you in jail or dead”

4. “Friends are more valuable than gold”

5. “Staying married to one woman is this world’s greatest reward”

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How far did you have to travel to attend elementary, junior high and high school and how did you get there?

“Elementary school – 1 1/3 miles there and back – walked; junior high – 3 miles there and back – walked; and high school – 10 miles – rode bus.”

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Who gave you your first bible and how old where you when you received it? How did it influence your life?

“The Gideon’s, I was 18 years old. It started me to thinking about life after death.”

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When did you become a Christian? How did your life change?

“June 1949. I became a Christian and quit a lot of things I used to do. I became a reader of the Bible. I did not know anything about living a Christian life, so I didn’t know where to start.”

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When you were growing up, did you have any animals? What were their names? Was it important to you to have a pet?

“A dog named Spot. It really was not important to have a pet because I had trouble feeding him. Times were very hard in the depression.”

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What chores did you have to do when you were growing up? Did you get an allowance? How much was it?

“Hoeing vegetables and strawberries, feeding pigs and cows, and mowing the yard with a push mower (no motor).”

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Who gave you your first job? What kind of job was it? How much money did you make?

“I worked for my brother-in-law as a swamper on a Nehi soda truck delivering soda to stores – I made $9.00 a week, but I had to eat and I only wound up with about $5.00 a week. I worked about 10 hours a day. It was hard work but it was fun.”

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Share your idea of what makes a good friend.

“When everyone else walks out, a good friend will walk in, and will overlook your faults and be there when he is needed, but will never interfere.”

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Did you pray as a young boy? If so, can you remember a specific prayer? Who taught you to pray?

“No. Our pastor, J. Elwin Wray, just by the way he prayed. Also, the Lord Jesus Christ in his word.”

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Did you have a television when you were growing up? What was your favorite program? Why?

“No, it was not available until I was married.”

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Describe your favorite pastime or hobby as a child.

“Playing Tarzan and Cowboys & Indians in the woods. When we moved to Oklahoma City, I played Cowboys & Indians, then baseball.”

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Who was your favorite teacher? How did that teacher influence your life?

“Mr. Gardener. He taught math in Jr. high and he instilled in me a love of figures because he paid particular attention to me personally.”

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Did you ever have a special hideaway or clubhouse? Describe it.

“We had a clubhouse in an old chicken house that had not been used for years. We swept it clean and it was our clubhouse for a long time. That was on SW 29th.”

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In High School, what extracurricular activities did you enjoy most? Why did you choose those activities?

“Baseball. I loved the game and it was the only thing I was good at.”

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What is the nicest thing you ever did for your mother and father?

“I defended their freedom oversees in the Air Force and I took care of them for years in their old age.”

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Did you admire a famous person? What made that person admirable?

“Yes, John Wayne, because I thought he was tough and a real American.”

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During childhood, who was your best friend? Share some of your fondest memories of fun times together.

“Bob Custer, played baseball, smoked tobacco (hid out). Donald Martin, built a tree house, built a hideout underground, stayed all night at each other’s house. I had a paper route that he always helped me with.”

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Was there a special person who helped you in your Christian walk? Share something about that person.

“My wife, Maryann, she was so steadfast in her walk with God, I just had to go along with her.”

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As a teenager, did you rebel or do things your parents wouldn’t have approved of? How do you feel about that now?

“Yes, it is behind me now and the Lord says not to look back.”

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When did you have your first date? Tell about it.

“I was 15 or 16 and I met this girl in the Redskin Movie Theatre. We would meet there every Saturday. One Saturday I kissed her on the cheek and I guess it scared her because I never saw her again.”

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What is your favorite memory of your mother? Why is it so special to you?

“I remember my mother shooting a hawk off a fence post with a crackshot 22 rifle about 200 feet away, I was only about 5 years old.

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What image of your father is the most striking in your memory? Why that image?

“Standing behind his barber chair cutting hair, this was a huge part of our lives.”

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List one special memory about each one of your brothers and sisters.

“My oldest sister Sue was a tyrant with us kids because she took care of us. My oldest brother Jay was a bus driver and I connected with his bus when I came home from the Army. My sister Nadine was boy-crazy by the time she as 14. I preached her funeral. My brother Ed was a con-artist. He would rather cheat you out of something than to earn it.”

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If you were to find an old toy box in your attic, what toys would you remember most fondly? Why?

“My baseball glove. It was valuable to me because I loved baseball.”

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How old were you when you understood that God loves you? How did that affect your life?

“21, I was saved and I had to completely change my life.”

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What were your family finances like when you were growing up? How did that affect you?

“We had very little money, but I never felt poor, I didn’t miss a lot of things because I never had access to them.”

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What kind of car did your family drive? Were you proud or embarrassed by it? Why?

“We had a lot of different cars because my dad traded all the time.”

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How often did your family go to church? What pastor or Sunday school teacher do you remember the most? How did that person influence you?

“My family never went to church. After I was married, my Sunday school teacher was Sister Wray, the pastor’s wife. She was a very sweet person. She gave our marriage 6 months. As I write this, it has been 56 years.”

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Did your family attend family reunions? What activities did everyone enjoy? Tell about your favorite cousins, aunts, or uncles.

“We had few family reunions, but I don’t remember much about what went on. One of my cousins was Les Bell, I remember him well because of the Possum Grape Wine he made.”

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Bill Bell:

I remember Bill fixing Chinese food for us one night for dinner and it was good. Bill always had a way of making someone laugh even when they were down or sick. Vacation time with the Bell family was many trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and the world’s fair in Tennessee. Saturday nights were trips to Sullivan’s Restaurant then back to the house for cards or dominoes and lots of laughter and fun. The memories of Bill will always be remembered but not forgotten.

Sincerely,

Ardeth Eason-Willouby and Kim Eason-Henthorne

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My Honey,

I have been missing you so much, but I will be seeing you soon.

I just wish we had of known you had cancer, as we could have taken care of that, but I guess Jesus wanted you. We had a lot of good times and that's good to look back to. I just wish I still had you with me as it wouldn't be so lonesome, but God is taking care of me.

Love you very much.

Your loving wife,

Maryann

Shaggy Loves You Too!